cathal

I'd have to say Jackie Chan for me because I think he does a a decent job of acting as well as the fighting.

For us it is a $50 fee. No embroidery, that just covers the certificate and the test itself.

I'm currently refining my Tekkis. (Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan). But I just started learning Hangetsu.

I began learning the Hangetsu kata this week. My first impressions are that this is a power kata full of a lot of subtleties. I find that a few others rush through the kata though, not taking the time. If you practice this kata, do you feel similarly? If you aren't familiar with this kata, here are some links below. Link to the diagram: http://karate.nmnm.cz/karate_menu/kata_soubory/schema/Hangetsu.jpg Link to the stance: http://www.keithgeyerkarate.com/tipshtml/stanceimages/hangetsu.jpg

To be honest I'd speak with the Sifu first to determine if it is a sense of humour issue or not. If it is you can respectfully request that he not make those comments/jokes in your presence. If it turns out to be his belief system and not just humour...I would take that opportunity to leave. Informing his superior may be a wise decision because I don't think any MA organization wants that kind of attitude associated with it.

You should check your local community for Kobujitsu instructors.

For us we chamber the hands and leg to prepare. Then point our knee toward the intended target. As we extend, and only during the extension of the snap do we move the supporting foot slightly. This allows us to change direction before striking, in case the attacker changes position, or repositions so we have to aim higher/lower.

We do practice bunkai as a part of our regular syllabus. This includes the 5-Kata Kumite, a mix of techniques from the five heians using three opponents.

In the beginning a I got stuck with a few of the techniques, as I kept going into the Heian Godan, but not so much now. It just took a little practice.

That's very interesting, so it seems there is a pattern of sorts with the student having previous experience. Thanks for your input

In our local town sensei and the sempai go to the local high school for a term on martial arts. They do Karate with the students as a part of their regular gym class for about a month or two.

I tend to agree with Sohan the author seems opinionated, and the content seems almos derivative.

I have seen, through the years, a few students skip a kyu level from time to time. For example a 6th kyu grading for 5th going to grade, and is asked to grade for 4th after testing for 5th. Does your style do this, and what are your opinions on double grading?

It is likely our dojos are affiliated with different organizations. Mine is affiliated with the JKA/ISKF. I am currently 3rd kyu. In our system it is Brown.

Well they all have a lot of spirit. They kiai loud and perform their techniques well according to the level they are at. The ones at 5th kyu to 3rd kyu are at that point where they really need to start working on not just kime but also demonstrating the drive. The technique isn't going to be as effective if all they do is throw their arm out, or leg. I've tried visualization techniques like having these students concentrate on focusing on opponents when they perform their techniques/katas. That is only going so far. Edit: I guess what I'm saying is that I am having troubles articulating. I am just not sure what to say and how to present it to them so they'll easily understand.

Oh sorry I mean that we have two purple belts, and three brown belts. No stripes, tabs, etc. I am currently practicing Shotokan

I know little, but have heard of it in passing, however our belt system is different. No stripes white, yellow, orange, green, purple x2, brown x3, then black.

Hidetaka Nishiyama is is name. He trained under master Funakoshi. Here is a link for you: http://www.karate.com.mk/history.htm

Wow, a lot of good advice in this thread. The only thing I can add, and had no doubt been said, is to take your time. Don't worry about them refining the technique right away.

Hello again, First, thanks for all the advice in the past. What I'm trying to think of now is a lesson plan where I will be endeavouring to pass on the concepts of enthusiasm and drive vis-a-vis kime. My guys all have great kime, in fact I'm very proud, so I'm hoping that in reinforcing these two things that they'll become better karateka.

Thank you very much, I am sooo incredably nervous for this tournament there is going to be so many people watching. Any tips? In my own personal experience kime is a big factor. Also when sparring as part of the tournament (if you sign up for that) the judges will be looking for a block with a counter. Don't simply block and back off, or half-heartedly block to get in under. They look for full, complete techniques. When it comes to the kata competitions focus on you and not the opponent. Don't try to keep up or make more noise, just do the techniques according to your own body type, timing, and bunkai.

For me it was with Teriyuki Okazaki, where he discussed "Life Karate". No specific physical techniques were discussed, aside from exercise etc. It was very informative.

I enjoyed that kata, there seems to be some nice subtleties.

Thank you for your input everyone.

Hey all, I'm wondering if anyone has links to some analysis and/or bunkai on these kata. I have the moves down, and have plenty of videos, but I'm interested in what others have to say about them. As not all styles perform this kata, here are a few links: http://www.ucc.ie/karate/Tekki%20Shodan.jpg Tekki Shodan http://skkp8.samuraj-cz.com/grafika/kata/Tekki%20Nidan.gif Tekki Nidan http://home7.swipnet.se/~w-72482/tekki_sandan.jpg Tekki Sandan Thank you Edit: Fixed the links